Line trimmer reviews

In our years of testing line trimmers (also known as whipper snippers, string trimmers, strimmers, lawn trimmers and weed eaters), we've found that petrol models are usually your best option for big yards. However, cordless battery-powered models are also now a serious option for most homes.

We aren't testing electric corded models any more as they are a relatively small part of the market, and have mostly been superseded by cordless models.

Read our buying guide to find out what to look for when you're shopping for a line trimmer and how to get the best out of the one you have.

Our how we test article details how we put line trimmers through their paces.

Our interactive comparison tool will help you find the line trimmers that are:

the best performers at trimming short and long grass, and trimming vertically along lawn edges

the quietest

the easiest and most comfortable to use

We also list important specifications including each model's motor power, type of fuel needed, battery charge times and a lot more.

Note that we changed our test method in 2019 (we moved the test to a new property with different grass and terrain) so results from past years are not comparable to the 2019 results. Use the "Year" filter at left, or the dropdown sorting options, to sort by year of testing.

Performance score

We test by horizontally trimming along fences, walls and areas of lawn and vertically, with the cutting head perpendicular to the ground, along the edges of paths and garden borders. We also cut long grass up to 45cm in length.

enter value/s in increments of i between
44
and 100

Ease of use score

We assess how comfortable the trimmers are to use, taking into account their weight, balance, handles, angle of the cutting head and so on. Respooling the line, using controls, starting, using the line feed and vibration are also taken into account.

Weight (kg)

The weight of the trimmer in kg (for cordless models this includes the battery).

enter value/s in increments of i between
1
and 9

Availability

A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.

A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.

These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find these models on second hand websites, or in second hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.

An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.